Description
This Creamy Spaghetti Sauce is a rich and smooth sauce made with butter, garlic, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasonings. It quickly transforms simple spaghetti into a flavorful and comforting meal perfect for busy weeknights or special dinners. The sauce pairs beautifully with chicken, shrimp, mushrooms, or vegetables for added versatility.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz (340 g) spaghetti
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup chicken broth (or reserved pasta water)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Extra Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions
- Cook Spaghetti: Cook the spaghetti according to the package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water before draining the pasta.
- Sauté Garlic: Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Create Roux: Stir in the flour and cook for another minute, whisking constantly to form a smooth paste that will thicken the sauce.
- Add Liquids: Slowly pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth while whisking continuously to ensure the sauce is smooth and lump-free.
- Incorporate Cheese and Seasonings: Add the grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir until the cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes creamy.
- Simmer Sauce: Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 3–5 minutes until it slightly thickens.
- Toss Pasta in Sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti into the skillet and toss until evenly coated with the sauce. Use reserved pasta water if the sauce needs to be thinned out.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese before serving.
Notes
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.
- For extra protein, add grilled chicken, shrimp, bacon, or sautéed mushrooms.
- For a lighter sauce, substitute whole milk and a little cream cheese instead of heavy cream.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American